You’ve heard it many times – candy is destructive to your child’s teeth. You should avoid giving too much of it to your kids in order to prevent the chances that they will wind up with tooth decay. Candy, however, isn’t the only culprit. There are other foods that are dangerous to the health of your children’s teeth.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits, raisins, figs and dates, make wonderful snacks. They’re found in a variety of trail mixes. They’re fruit. They must be healthy, right? Dried fruits are actually full of concentrated sugar.
While it may be natural sugar, the amount is quite high. And some companies even add more sugar. These “nature’s candies” as they are often called, are also sticky, meaning they stay on the teeth longer, giving bacteria a great opportunity to grow.
Instead of dried fruits, give your children fresh fruits. They are just as delicious, but contain less sugar. Some fruits, such as apples and pears, can even help clean teeth as they are eaten.
Refined Grains
Starchy, refined grains, such as white bread, white rice and al dente pasta made from white flour, can easily get stuck between teeth when eaten. Many children also really enjoy these foods. They are also simple carbohydrates, meaning they break down easily into sugar, by both saliva and bacteria. If not properly cleaned out, the accumulation of these grains can lead to tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, be sure that your children floss their teeth every day. Better yet, give them whole grains (but still make sure your children take proper care of their teeth).
Crunchy Cracker Snacks
Much like refined grains, cracker-like snacks – foods such as potato chips, goldfish and actual crackers – can get stuck between teeth. They also break down easily into sugars, increasing the chances for tooth decay.
Give your children whole grain snacks instead. You can also give them cheese to go with crackers, as cheese helps clean teeth. And, since children often get two snacks each day, give them a starchy snack at one snack time and give them carrots or apple slices at the other.
High Acid Fruits
Fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit are good for your child’s health (they are full of vitamins), but they can be detrimental to teeth if you’re not careful. Pair these foods with other foods and make sure your child drinks water after consuming them to wash away the acid.
Protect the health of your children’s teeth. Avoid certain foods and substitute them with others that are better not only for their teeth, but their health as well. Also, be sure that your child maintains proper oral hygiene and their teeth are sure to stay healthy.
Please contact us if you have any questions about foods for your child to avoid.